Sheffield United can ease inevitable Gus Hamer transfer pain with swoop for QPR player | OneFootball

Sheffield United are likely to lose Gus Hamer this summer, and QPR's Ilias Chair should be a target to replace the attacking midfielder.

Sheffield United suffered a heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Sunderland on Saturday, with Tommy Watson’s stoppage-time goal condemning them to another year in the Championship.

With the Blades having stumbled in the race for automatic promotion, Chris Wilder’s side appeared back to their best after comfortably dispatching Bristol City to book their place at Wembley.

However, despite taking the lead through Tyrese Campbell, Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda equalised before Watson’s late winner.

Sheffield United will be prepared for a summer overhaul after promotion failure

That loss will sting for all those connected to Sheffield United for some time.

Not only have they missed out on promotion, but it’s a defeat that will have consequences, as the club must now adapt to their financial reality which comes with another year outside the top-flight.

That means departures are inevitable as the Blades look to balance the books, and one player who seems certain to move on is Gus Hamer.

The ex-Coventry man was named Player of the Year in the Championship, and anyone who saw Hamer play this season will recognise that he has the talent to play in the Premier League.

Ilias Chair could be ideal replacement for Gus Hamer

So, the recruitment team at Bramall Lane will already be planning ahead, and you can be sure that they’re identifying replacements for Hamer, and one man who fits the bill is Ilias Chair.

The QPR man has proven himself to be a very good player at this level over the years, even if the current campaign was underwhelming.

A combination of inconsistent form and unfortunate injuries meant Chair managed just two goals and six assists in 28 games, which is below his usual numbers.

Yet, Chair’s ability is undeniable, and it could be that a change of environment, and joining a better team, is exactly what he needs to rediscover his highest level.

If Wilder could get Chair firing, he could become an instant favourite at Bramall Lane. Like Hamer, the Moroccan can win a game on his own. He is capable of beating an opponent, he has an eye for a pass, and is the sort of player that fans pay to watch.

Whilst Callum O’Hare is another in that mould, Sheffield United would need to address a lack of creativity if Hamer did move on.

Wilder’s side were comfortably outscored by Leeds, and they also fell short of Burnley’s goal return, so losing Hamer, who registered the highest number of goal contributions in the squad, means it could quickly become a problem.

Sheffield United knew how costly defeat to Sunderland would be, and that will be proven over the coming weeks and months.